PS 

3545 


UC-NRLF 


Bflfl 


W3 


WAR   BRIDES 

A  PLAY  IN  ONE  ACT 

BY 
MARION  CRAIG  WENTWORTH 


LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
DAVIS 


WAR  BRIDES 


Good-by!  good-by 


WAR  BRIDES 

A  Play  in  One  Act 


BY 

MARION  GRAIG  WENTWORTH 


ILLUSTRATED  WITH  PHOTOGRAPHS  FROM    THE 
PLAY  AS  PRESENTED  BY  MME.  NAZIMOVA 


NEW  YORK 

THE  CENTURY  CO. 

1915 


LIBRARY 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA 
DAVIS 


Copyright,  1915,  by 
THE  CENTURY  Co. 


Acting  rights  controlled  by 

DRAMATIST'S  PLAY  AGENCY, 

145  West  45th  Street, 

NEW  YORK  CITY 


Published,  February  1915 


TO 

MY  LITTLE  BOY 

BRANDON 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 

Good-by!    good-by!      .      .      .  Frontispiece 

FACING 
PAGE 

Arno:        You  are  wanted  .      ...      .      .      .     42 


Hedwig:  Franz?       | 
Amelia :    Franz,  too  J 

Amelia:    No,    you    must    not!     You    have    too 

much  to  live  for  66 


This  play  was  first  produced 
on  January  25,  1915,  at 

B.  F.  KEITH'S  PALACE  THEATRE, 

NEW  YORK  CITY, 

with  the  following  cast: 

Hedwig  (Joan) Mme.  Nazimova 

Amelia   (Amy) Mary  Alden 

Mother    Gertrude    Berkeley 

Hoffman  (Joseph  Kerman) Charles  Bryant 

Minna    Edith  Speare 

Arno    C.    Brown 

Hertz  (Captain  Bragg) William  Hasson 

Peasants,  Women  and  Soldiers. 

Time — Present.        Place — A  War-Ridden  Country. 

Personal  Manager  for  Madame  Nazimova 
William  F.   Muenster 


WAR  BRIDES 


WAR  BRIDES 

The  war  brides  were  cheered  with  enthusiasm  and  the 
churches  were  crowded  when  the  wedding  parties  spoke 
the  ceremony  in  concert. — PRESS  CLIPPING. 

SCENE  :  A  room  in  a  peasant's  cottage  in  a  war- 
ridden  country.  A  large  fireplace  at  the 
right.  Near  it  a  high-backed  settle.  On 
the  left  a  heavy  oak  table  and  benches. 
Woven  mats  on  the  floor.  A  door  at  left 
leads  into  a  bedroom.  In  the  corner  a  cup- 
board. At  the  back  a  wide  window  with 
scarlet  geraniums  and  an  open  door.  A  few 
firearms  are  stacked  near  the  fireplace. 
There  is  an  air  of  homely  color  and  neatness 
about  the  room. 

Through  the  open  door  may  be  seen  women 

3 


WAR     BRIDES 

stacking  grain.  Others  go  by  carrying  huge 
baskets  of  grapes  or  loads  of  wood,  and  grad- 
ually it  penetrates  the  mind  that  all  these 
workers  are  women,  aristocrats  and  peasants 
side  by  side.  Now  and  then  a  bugle  blows 
or  a  drum  beats  in  the  distance.  A  squad  of 
soldiers  marches  quickly  by.  There  is  every- 
where the  tense  atmosphere  of  unusual  cir- 
cumstance, the  anxiety  and  excitement  of 
war. 

Amelia,  a  slight,  flaxen-haired  girl  of  nine- 
teen, comes  in.  She  brushes  off  the  hay  with 
which  she  is  covered,  and  goes  to  packing  a 
bag  with  a  secret,  but  determined,  air.  The 
Mother  passes  the  window  and  appears  in  the 
doorway.  She  is  old  and  work-worn,  but 
sturdy  and  stoical.  Now  she  carries  a  heavy 
load  of  wood,  and  is  weary.  She  casts  a 
sharp  eye  at  Amelia. 


WAR     BRIDES  5 

Mother: 

What  are  you  doing,  girl?  [Amelia  starts  and 
puts  the  bag  in  the  cupboard.}  Who's  going 
away?  They  have  n't  sent  for  Arno? 

Amelia: 
No. 

Mother: 

[Sighs,  and  drops  her  load  on  the  hearth.} 
Is  the  hay  all  in? 

Amelia: 

Yes.  I  put  in  the  last  load.  All  the  big  work 
on  our  place  is  done,  and  so — [Looks  at  her 
mother  and  hesitates.  Her  mother  begins  to 
chop  the  wood  into  kindling.}  I'll  do  that, 
Mother. 

Mother: 

Let  be,  girl.  It  keeps  me  from  worrying.  Get 
a  bite  to  eat.  What  were  you  doing  with  that 
bag?  Who  were  you  packing  it  for? 


6  WAR     BRIDES 

Amelia: 

[With  downcast  eyes.] 
Myself. 

Mother:  [Anxious.} 

What  for? 

Amelia: 

Sit  down,  Mother,   and  be  still  while  I  tell 
you — 
[Pushes  her  mother  into  a  chair.] 

Mother:  [Starts.} 

Is  there  any  news?     Quick!     Tell  me! 

Amelia: 

Not  since  yesterday.  Only  they  say  Franz  is 
at  the  front.  We  don't  know  where  Emil  and 
Otto  are,  and  there  's  been  a  battle ;  but — 

Mother: 

[Murmurs,  with  closed  eyes.] 
My  boys !  my  boys ! 


WAR     BRIDES  7 

Amelia: 

Don't,  Mother!     They  may  come  back. 
[A  cheer  is  heard.] 

Mother:  [Starting.} 

What 's  that? 

Amelia: 

[Running  to  the  door  and  looking  out.} 
They  are  cheering  the  war  brides,  that  5s  all. 

Mother: 
Aye.    There  's  been  another  wedding  ceremony. 

Amelia: 

Yes. 

Mother: 
How  many  war  brides  to-day? 

Amelia: 
Ten,  they  said. 


8  WAR    BRIDES 

Mother:  [Nodding.] 

Aye,  that  is  good.  Has  any  one  asked  you, 
Amelia?  [Amelia  looks  embarrassed.]  Some 
one  should  ask  you.  You  are  a  good-looking 
girl. 

Amelia:  [In  a  low  voice.] 
Hans  Hoffman  asked  me  last  night. 

Mother: 

The  young  and  handsome  lieutenant4?  You 
are  lucky.  You  said  yes? 

Amelia:  [Shakes  her  head.] 
No. 

Mother: 
Ah,  well. 

Amelia: 

I  hardly  know  him.  I've  only  spoken  to  him 
once  before.  O  Mother — that  is  n't  what  I 
want  to  do. 


WAR     BRIDES  9 

Mother: 
What  did  you  tell  him"? 

A  melia  :  [  Timidly.  ] 

That  I  was  going  away  to  join  the  Red  Cross. 

Mother: 
Amelia ! 

Amelia: 

He  did  n't  believe  me.  He  kissed  me — and  I 
ran  away. 

Mother: 
The  Red  Cross! 

A  m  elia  :  [  Eagerly.  ] 

Yes;  that  is  what  I  was  going  to  tell  you  just 
now.  That  is  why  I  was  packing  the  bag. 
[Gets  it.]  I — I  want  to  go.  I  want  to  go 
to-night.  I  can't  stand  this  waiting. 

Mother: 
You  leave  me,  too? 


10  WAR    BRIDES 

Amelia: 

I  want  to  go  to  the  front  with  Franz  and  Otto 
and  Emil,  to  nurse  them,  to  take  care  of  them 
if  they  are  wounded — and  all  the  others.  Let 
me,  Mother!  I,  too,  must  do  something  for 
my  country.  The  grapes  are  plucked,  and 
the  hay  is  stacked.  Hedwig  is  gathering  the 
wheat.  You  can  spare  me.  I  have  been 
dreaming  of  it  night  and  day. 

Mother: 

[Setting  her  lips  decisively.} 
No,  Amelia! 

Amelia: 
O  Mother,  why? 

Mother: 

You  must  help  me  with  Hedwig.  I  can't  man- 
age her  alone. 

Amelia: 
Hedwig ! 


WAR     BRIDES  11 

Mother: 

She  is  strange;  she  broods.  Hadn't  you  no- 
ticed? 

Amelia: 

Why,  yes;  but  I  thought  she  was  worrying 
about  Franz.  She  adores  him,  and  any  day  she 
may  hear  that  he  is  killed.  It's  the  waiting 
that 's  so  awful. 

Mother: 

But  it 's  more  than  the  waiting  with  Hedwig. 
Aye,  you  will  help  Franz  more  by  staying  home 
to  take  care  of  his  wife,  Amelia,  especially  now. 

Amelia:  [Puzzled.] 

Now? 

Mother: 

[Goes  to  her  work-basket.] 
Hedwig  has  told  you  nothing4? 

Amelia: 
No. 


12  WAR     BRIDES 

Mother: 

Ah,  she  is  a  strange  girl !     She  asked  me  to  keep 
it  a  secret, — I  don't  know  why, — but  now  I 
think  you  should  know.     See! 
[Very  proudly  she   holds   up   the   tiny   baby 
garments  she  is  knitting.} 

Amelia: 

[Pleased  and  astonished.} 
So  Franz  and  Hedwig — 

Mother:  [Nods.] 

For  their  child.  In  six  months  now.  My  first 
grandchild,  Amelia.  Franz's  boy,  perhaps.  I 
shall  hear  a  little  one's  voice  in  this  house  again. 

Amelia: 

[  Uncertainly,  as  she  looks  at  the 
little  things.] 
Still — I  want  to  go. 


WAR     BRIDES  13 

Mother:  [Firmly.} 

We  must  take  care  of  Hedwig,  Amelia.  She 
is  to  be  a  mother.  That  is  our  first  duty.  It 
is  our  only  hope  of  an  heir  if  you  won't  marry 
soon — and  if — if  the  boys  don't  come  back. 

Amelia: 
Arno  is  left. 

Mother: 

Ah,  but  they  '11  be  calling  him  next.  It  is  his 
birthday  to-day,  too,  poor  lad.  He's  on  the 
jump  to  be  off.  I  see  him  gone,  too.  God 
knows  I  may  never  see  one  of  them  again.  I 
sit  here  in  the  long  evenings  and  think  how 
death  may  take  my  boys, — even  this  minute 
they  may  be  breathing  their  last, — and  then  I 
knit  this  baby  sock  and  think  of  the  precious 
little  life  that 's  coming.  It 's  my  one  comfort, 
Amelia.  Nothing  must  happen  now. 


14  WAR    BRIDES 

Amelia: 

[With  a  touch  of  impatience.} 
What 's  the  matter  with  Hedwig*? 

Mother: 

I  don't  know  what  it  is.  She  acts  as  if  she 
did  n't  want  to  bring  her  child  into  the  world. 
She  talks  wild.  I  tell  you  I  must  have  that 
child,  Amelia!  I  cannot  live  else.  Hedwig 
frightens  me.  The  other  night  I  found  her  sit- 
ting on  the  edge  of  her  bed  staring, — when  she 
should  have  been  asleep, — as  if  she  saw  visions, 
and  whispering,  "I  will  send  a  message  to  the 
emperor."  What  message?  I  had  to  shake 
her  out  of  it.  She  refuses  to  make  a  thing  for 
her  baby.  Says,  "Wait  till  I  see  what  they  do 
to  Franz."  It 's  unnatural. 

Amelia: 
I  can't  understand  her.     I  never  could.     I  al- 


WAR    BRIDES  15 

ways  thought  it  was  because  she  was  a  factory- 
town  girl. 

Mother: 

If  anything  should  happen  to  Franz  in  the 
state  she  's  in  now,  Hedwig  might  go  out  of  her 
mind  entirely.  So  you  had  best  stay  by, 
Amelia.  We  must  keep  a  close  eye  on  her. 

[There  is  a  knock  at  the  door.] 
Who's  that? 

Amelia: 

[Looks  out  of  the  windows,  and 
then  whispers.} 
It  's  Hans  Hoffman. 

[The  knock  is  repeated.} 

Mother: 

Open,  girl!     Don't  stand  there! 
[Enter  Hoffman,   gay,   familiar,   inclined   to 


16  WAR     BRIDES 

stoutness •,  but  good-looking.     Accustomed  to 
having  the  women  bow  down  to  him.} 

Hoffman: 

[To  Amelia.}     Ah,  ha!     You  gave  me  the 
slip  yesterday! 

Amelia: 
My  mother. 

Hoffman  :  [Nodding.  ] 

Good  day,  Mother.      [She  curtsies.} 

[Coming  closer  to  Amelia.} 
Where  did  you  run  to?  Here  she  as  good  as 
promised  me  she  would  wed  me  to-day,  Mother, 
and  then — 

Amelia: 
Oh,  no! 

Hoffman: 
Yes,  you  did.     You  let  me  kiss  you. 

Amelia:  [Taken  aback.} 
Oh,  sir! 


WAR     BRIDES  17 

Hoffman: 

And  when  I  got  to  the  church  square  to-day,  no 
bride  for  Hans  Hoffman.  Well,  I  must  say, 
they  had  the  laugh  on  me ;  for  I  had  told  them 
I  had  found  the  girl  for  me — the  prettiest  bride 
of  the  lot.  But  to-morrow — 

Amelia: 
I  can't. 

Hoffman: 

[Taking  hold  of  her.] 

Oh,  yes,  you  can.  I  won't  bother  you  long. 
I  'm  off  to  the  front  any  day  now.  Come, 
promise  me!  What  do  you  say,  Mother*? 

Mother:  [Slowly.] 

I  should  like  to  see  her  wed. 

Hoffman: 
There! 


i8  WAR    BRIDES 

Amelia: 

[Shrinking  from  both  him  and  the  idea.] 
But  I  don't  know  you  well  enough  yet. 

Hoffman: 

Well,  look  me  over.  Don't  you  think  I  am 
good  enough  for  her,  Mother  1  Besides,  we 
can't  stop  to  think  of  such  things  now, 
Amelia.  It  is  war-time.  This  is  an  emer- 
gency measure.  And,  then,  I  'm  a  soldier — like 
to  die  for  my  country.  That  ought  to  count 
for  something — a  good  deal,  I  should  say — if 
you  love  your  country,  and  you  do,  don't  you, 
Amelia? 

Amelia: 
Oh,  yes! 

Hoffman: 

Well,  then,  we  can  get  married  and  get  ac- 
quainted afterward. 


WAR    BRIDES  19 

Amelia :  [Faintly.  ] 

I  wanted  to  be  a  nurse. 

Hoffman: 

Nonsense !  Pretty  girls  like  you  should  marry. 
The  priests  and  the  generals  have  commanded 
it.  It's  for  the  fatherland.  Ought  she  not 
to  wed  me,  Mother? 

Mother: 

[Nodding  impersonally.] 
Aye,  it  is  for  the  fatherland  they  ask  it. 

Hoffman: 

Of  course.  It  is  your  patriotic  duty,  Amelia. 
You're  funny.  All  the  young  women  are 
tickled  at  the  chance.  But  you  are  the  one  I 
have  picked  out,  and  I  am  going  to  have  you. 
Now,  there  's  a  good  girl — promise ! 
[A  hubbub  of  voices  and  a  cheer  are  heard  out- 


20  WAR    BRIDES 

side.     Enter  Minna,  flushed,  pretty,  light 
headed.] 

Amelia: 
Minna ! 

Minna: 

[Holding  out  her  hand.] 
Amelia,  see!     My  wedding-ring! 

Amelia: 
Iron! 

Minna :     [  Triumphantly.  ] 
Yes;  a  war  bride! 

Amelia: 
You? 

Minna: 
That's  what  I  am.  [Whirling  gaily  about.] 

Hoffman: 

[Shaking  her  hand.] 
Good  for  you !     Congratulations ! 


WAR    BRIDES  21 

Minna: 

Didn't  you  hear  them  cheer?  That  was  for 
me! 

Hoffman: 
There  's  patriotism  for  you,  Amelia ! 

Amelia: 
When  were  you  married,  Minna? 

Minna: 

Just  now.  There  were  ten  of  us.  We  all  an- 
swered in  chorus,  It  was  fun — just  like  a  the- 
ater. Then  the  priest  made  a  speech,  and  the 
burgomaster  and  the  captain.  The  people 
cheered,  and  then  our  husbands  had  to  go  to 
drill  for  an  hour.  Oh,  I  never  was  so  thrilled ! 
It  was  grand !  They  told  us  we  were  the  true 
patriots. 

Hoffman: 
Hurrah !     And  so  you  are. 


22  WAR     BRIDES 

Minna: 

Our  names  will  go  down  in  history,  honored  by 
a  whole  people,  they  said. 
[They  are  all  carried  away  by  Minna? s  enthusi- 
asm; even  Amelia  warms  up.] 

Amelia: 
But  whom  did  you  marry,  Minna? 

Minna: 
Heinrich  Berg. 

Amelia:  [Dubious.} 

That  loafer! 

Minna: 

He  's  all  right.  He  Js  a  soldier  now.  Why, 
he  may  be  a  hero,  fighting  for  the  fatherland; 
and  that  makes  a  lot  of  difference,  Amelia. 

Hoffman: 
What  did  I  tell  you? 


WAR    BRIDES  23 

Minna: 

I  probably  would  n't  have  picked  him  out  in 
peace-times,  but  it  is  different  now.  He  only 
asked  me  last  night.  Of  course  he  may  get 
killed.  They  said  we  'd  have  a  widow's  pen- 
sion fund, — us  and  our  children, — forever  and 
ever,  if  the  boys  did  n't  come  back.  So,  you 
see,  I  won't  be  out  anything.  Anyway,  it 's  for 
the  country.  We  '11  be  famous,  as  war  brides. 
Even  the  name  sounds  glorious,  does  n't  it*? 
War  bride !  Is  n't  that  fine*? 

Hoffman: 

Here 's  a  little  lady  who  will  hear  herself 
called  that  to-morrow.  [Takes  Amelia's 
hand.] 

Minna: 

[Clapping  her  hands.'] 
Amelia  a  war  bride,  too!     Good! 


24  WAR     BRIDES 

Hoffman  : 

You  '11  be  proud  to  hear  her  called  that,  won't 
you,  Mother?  Give  us  your  blessing. 

Minna: 

I  'd  rather  be  a  wife  or  a  widow  any  day 
than  be  an  old  maid;  and  to  be  a  war  bride — 
oh! 

[Amelia  is  blushing  and  tr  emulous. \ 

Mother: 

[  With  a  far-away  look.} 

It  is  for  the  fatherland,  Amelia.  Aye,  aye,  the 
masters  have  said  so.  It  is  the  will  and  judg- 
ment of  those  higher  than  us.  They  are  wise. 
Our  country  will  need  children.  Aye.  Say 
yes,  my  daughter.  You  will  not  say  no  when 
your  country  bids  you!  It  is  your  emperor, 
your  country,  who  asks,  more  than  Hans  Hoff- 
man. 


WAR     BRIDES  25 

Amelia: 

[Impressed,  and  questions  her- 
self to  see  if  her  patriotism  is 
strong  enough  to  stand  the  test, 
while  Hoffman,  charmed  by 
Amelia's  gentleness,  is  moved  by 
more  personal  feeling.  ] 

Hoffman: 

[Kissing  Amelia  on  both  cheeks.] 
There,  it 's  all  settled.  [A  faint  cheer  is  heard 
without.]  To-morrow  they  will  cheer  you  like 
that;  and  when  I  go,  I  shall  have  a  bride  to 
wave  me  good-by  instead  of — 
[Enter  Hedwig. 

She  stands  in  the  doorway,  looking  out  on  the 
distant  crowds.  She  is  tall,  well  built,  and 
carries  herself  proudly.  Strong,  intelligent 
features,  but  pale.  Her  eyes  are  large  with 


26  WAR     BRIDES 

anxiety.     She  has  soft,  wavy  black  hair.     An 
inward  flame  seems  to  be  consuming  her. 
The  sounds  continue  in  the  distance,  cheering, 
disputing  mingled  with  far  bugle-calls  and 
marching  feet.} 

Hedwig: 

[  Contemptuously.  ] 
Ha! 

[The  sound  startles  the  others.     They  turn.} 

All: 
Hedwig ! 

Hedwig: 

[Still  in  the  doorway,  looking  out.} 
War  brides ! 

Minna:  [Pertly.} 

You  're  a  war  bride  yourself,  Hedwig. 


WAR     BRIDES  27 

Hedwig: 

[Turns  quickly,  locates  Minna, 
almost  springs  at  her.] 

Don't  you  dare  to  call  me  a  war  bride!  My 
ring  is  gold.  See.  [Seizes  Minna's  hand,  and 
then  throws  it  from  her.  ]  Not  iron,  like  yours. 

Minna: 

[Boldly  taunting. ,] 
They  even  call  you  the  first  war  bride. 

Hedwig: 

[Furious,  towering  over  her,  her 
hand  on  her  shoulder. .] 
Say  why,  why? 

Minna :  [  Weakening.  ] 
Because  you  were  the  first  one  to  be  married 
when  the  war  broke  out. 


28  WAR    BRIDES 

Hedwig: 

[Both  hands  on  her  shoulders. } 
Because  the  Government  commanded?  Because 
they  bribed  me  with  the  promise  of  a  widow's 
pension1?  Tell  the  truth. 

Minna:  [Faintly.} 

No.     Let  me  go. 

Hedwig: 

So !  And  how  long  had  Franz  and  I  been  en- 
gaged? Now  say. 

Minna: 

[Beginning  to  be  frightened.} 
Two  years. 

Hedwig: 

[Flinging  her  off.} 

Of  course.  Everybody  knows  it.  Every  vil- 
lage this  side  the  river  knew  we  were  to  be  mar- 
ried this  summer.  We  Jve  dreamed  and  worked 


WAR     BRIDES  29 

for  nothing  else  all  these  months.  It  had  noth- 
ing to  do  with  the  war — our  love,  our  marriage. 
So,  you  see,  I  am  no  war  bride.  [  Walks  scorn- 
fully away.}  Not  like  you,  anyway. 

[They  all  stare  at  her.} 

Hoffman: 

[Stepping  forward  indignantly.} 
I  don't  know  why  you  should  have  this  con- 
tempt for  our  war  brides,  and  speak  like  that. 

Hedwig: 

[Sits  down,  half  turned  away. 
She  shrugs  her  shoulders,  and 
her  lips  curl  in  a  little  smile. .] 

Hoffman: 

They  are  coming  to  the  rescue  of  their  country. 
Saving  it;  else  it  will  perish. 

Hedwig:  [Bitterly.} 

Ha! 


30  WAR    BRIDES 

Hoffman: 

[  Waxing  warmer.} 
They  are  the  saviors  of  the  future. 

Hedwig:  [Sadly.] 

The  future ! 

Mother: 

[Softly,    laying    her    hand    on 
Hedwig' s  shoulder.} 

Hedwig,  be  more  respectful.     Herr  Hoffman 
is  a  lieutenant. 

Hoffman: 

When  we  are  gone, — the  best  of  us, — what  will 
the  country  do  if  it  has  no  children*? 

Hedwig: 

Why  did  n't  you  think  of  that  before — before 
you  started  this  wicked  war^ 

Hoffman: 
I  tell  you  it  is  a  glory  to  be  a  war  bride.    There ! 


WAR     BRIDES  31 

Hedwig:  [With  a  shrug. ~\ 
A  breeding-machine!  [They  all  draw  back.] 
Why  not  call  it  what  it  is*?  Speak  the  naked 
truth  for  once. 

Hoffman: 

You  '11  take  that  back  to-morrow,  when  your  sis- 
ter stands  up  in  the  church  with  me. 

Hedwig:  [Starting  up.] 
Amelia?  Marry  you?  No!  Amelia,  is  this 
true? 

Amelia: 

[Hesitating r,  troubled \  and  uncertain.] 
They  tell  me  I  must — for  the  fatherland. 

Hedwig: 

Marry  this  man,  whom  you  scarcely  know, 
whom  surely  you  cannot  love !  Why,  you  make 
a  mock  of  marriage !  It  is  n't  that  they  have 
tempted  you  with  the  widow's  pension?  It  is 


32  WAR    BRIDES 

so  tiny;  it's  next  to  nothing.  Surely  you 
wouldn't  yield  to  that? 

Amelia:  [P Brightened. .] 

I  did  want  to  go  as  a  nurse,  but  the  priests  and 
the  generals — they  say  we  must  marry — 
for  the  fatherland,  Hedwig. 

Hoffman:        [To 
I  command  you  to  be  silent ! 

Hedwig: 

Not  when  my  sister's  happiness  is  at  stake.  If 
you  come  back,  she  will  have  to  live  with  you 
the  rest  of  her  life. 

Hoffman: 

That  is  n't  the  question  now.  We  are  going 
away — the  best  of  us — to  be  shot,  most  likely. 
Don't  you  suppose  we  want  to  send  some  part 
of  ourselves  into  the  future,  since  we  can't  live 


WAR     BRIDES  33 

ourselves4?  There,  that's  straight;  and  right, 
too. 

Hedwig: 

[Nodding  slowly.} 

What  I  said — to  breed  a  soldier  for  the  empire ; 
to  restock  the  land.  [Fiercely.}  And  for 
what?  For  food  for  the  next  generation's  can- 
non. Oh,  it  is  an  insult  to  our  womanhood! 
You  violate  all  that  makes  marriage  sacred! 
[Agitated,  she  walks  about  the  room.}  Are  we 
women  never  to  get  up  out  of  the  dust?  You 
never  asked  us  if  we  wanted  this  war,  yet  you 
ask  us  to  gather  in  the  crops,  cut  the  wood,  keep 
the  world  going,  drudge  and  slave,  and  wait, 
and  agonize,  lose  our  all,  and  go  on  bearing 
more  men — and  more — to  be  shot  down!  If 
we  breed  the  men  for  you,  why  don't  you  let  us 
say  what  is  to  become  of  them?  Do  we  want 
them  shot — the  very  breath  of  our  life? 


34  WAR    BRIDES 

Hoffman: 
It  is  for  the  fatherland. 

Hedwig: 

You  use  us,  and  use  us — dolls,  beasts  of  bur- 
den,   and  you   expect  us   to   bear   it   forever 
dumbly;  but  I  won't!     I  shall  cry  out  till  I  die. 
And  now  you  say  it  almost  out  loud,  "Go  and 
breed  for  the  empire."     War  brides !     Pah ! 
[Minna  gasps,  beginning  to  be  terrified.     Hoff- 
man rages.     Mother  gazes  with  anxious  con- 
cern.    Amelia  turns  pale.} 

Hoffman: 

I  never  would  dream  of  speaking  of  Amelia  like 
that.  She  is  the  sweetest  girl  I  have  seen  for 
many  a  day. 

Hedwig: 

What  will  happen  to  Amelia5?  Have  you 
thought  of  that4?  No;  I  warrant  you  have  n't. 


WAR    BRIDES  35 

Well,  look.  A  few  kisses  and  sweet  words,  the 
excitement  of  the  ceremony,  the  cheers  of  the 
crowd,  some  days  of  living  together, — I  won't 
call  it  marriage,  for  Franz  and  I  are  the  ones 
who  know  what  real  marriage  is,  and  how  sacred 
it  is, — then  what?  Before  you  know  it,  an 
order  to  march.  Amelia  left  to  wait  for  her 
child.  No  husband  to  wait  with  her,  to  watch 
over  her.  Think  of  her  anxiety,  if  she  learns 
to  love  you!  What  kind  of  child  will  it  be"? 
Look  at  me.  What  kind  of  child  would  I 
have,  do  you  think?  I  can  hardly  breathe  for 
thinking  of  my  Franz,  waiting,  never  knowing 
from  minute  to  minute.  From  the  way  I  feel, 
I  should  think  my  child  would  be  born  mad, 
I  'm  that  wild  with  worrying.  And  then  for 
Amelia  to  go  through  the  agony  alone !  No 
husband  to  help  her  through  the  terrible  hour. 
What  solace  can  the  state  give  then?  And 


36  WAR     BRIDES 

after  that,  if  you  don't  come  back,  who  is  going 
to  earn  the  bread  for  her  child?  Struggle  and 
struggle  to  feed  herself  and  her  child;  and  the 
fine-sounding  name  you  trick  us  with — war 
bride!  Humph!  that  will  all  be  forgotten 
then.  Only  one  thing  can  make  it  worth  while, 
and  do  you  know  what  that  is?  Love.  We  '11 
struggle  through  fire  and  water  for  that;  but 
without  it —  [Gesture.'} 

Hoffman: 

[Drawing  Amelia  to  him.] 
Don't  listen  to  her,  Amelia. 

Amelia: 

[Pushing     Hoffman     violently 

from  her,  runs  from  the  room.} 

No,    no,    I    can't   marry   you!     I    won't!     I 


won't! 


[She  shuts  the  door  in  his  face.] 


WAR    BRIDES  37 

Hedwig: 

[Triumphantly.} 

She  will  never  be  your  war  bride,  Hans  Hoff- 
man! 

Hoffman: 

[Suddenly^  angrily.} 

By  thunder !  I  've  made  a  discovery.  You  're 
the  woman !  You  're  the  woman ! 

Hedwig: 
What  woman? 

Hoffman: 

Yesterday  there  were  twenty  war  brides.  The 
day  before  there  were  nearly  thirty.  To-day 
there  were  only  ten.  There  are  rumors — 
[Excitedly.]  I'll  report  you.  They'll  find 
you  guilty.  I  myself  can  prove  it. 

Hedwig: 
Well? 


38  WAR     BRIDES 

Hoffman: 

I  heard  them  say  at  the  barracks  that  some  one 
was  talking  the  women  out  of  marrying.  They 
did  n't  know  who;  but  they  said  if  they  caught 
her — caught  any  one  talking  as  you  have  just 
now,  daring  to  question  the  wisdom  of  the  em- 
peror and  his  generals,  the  church,  too, — she  'd 
be  guilty  of  treason.  You  are  working  against 
the  emperor,  against  the  fatherland.  Here  you 
have  done  it  right  before  my  very  eyes;  you 
have  taken  Amelia  right  out  of  my  arms. 
You  }re  the  woman  who  's  been  upsetting  the 
others,  and  don't  you  deny  it. 

Hedwig: 
Deny  it?     I  am  proud  of  it. 

Hoffman: 

Then  the  place  for  you  is  in  jail.  Do  you 
know  what  will  be  the  end  of  you"? 


WAR     BRIDES  39 

Hedwig: 

[Suddenly  far  away.} 

Yes,  I  know,  if  Franz  does  not  come  back.  I 
know;  but  first  [Clenching  her  hands}  I  must 
get  my  message  to  the  emperor. 

Hoffman  :         [  Very  angry.  ] 
You  will  be  shot  for  treason. 

Hedwig: 

[Coming  back,  laughing  slightly.} 
Shot?  Oh,  no,  Herr  Hans,  you  5d  never  shoot 
me! 

Hoffman: 
Why  not4? 

Hedwig: 

Do  I  have  to  tell  you,  stupid?  I  am  a  woman : 
I  can  get  in  the  crops;  I  can  keep  the  country 
going  while  you  are  away  fighting,  and,  most 
important,  I  might  give  you  a  soldier  for  your 


40  WAR    BRIDES 

next  army — for  the  kingdom.  Don't  you  see 
my  value'?  [Laughs  strangely.'}  Oh,  no, 
you  'd  never  shoot  me ! 

Mother: 
There,  there,  don't  excite  her,  sir. 

Hedwig: 

[Her  head  in  her  hands,  on  the  table. \ 
God!     I  wish  you  would  shoot  me!     If  you 
don't  give  me  back  my  Franz !     I  've  no  mind 
to  bring  a  son  into  the  world  for  this  bloody 
thing  you  call  war. 

H  off  man  : 

I  am  going  straight  to  headquarters  to  report 
you. 

[Starts  to  go. 

Enter  Arno  excitedly.     He  is  boyish  and  fair, 

in  his  early  twenties,  and  looks  even  younger 

than  he  really  is.} 


WAR     BRIDES  41 

Arno:  [To  Hoffman.] 
There  5s  an  order  to  march  at  once — your  regi- 
ment. 

Hoffman: 
Now? 

Arno: 

At  once.     You  are  wanted.     They  told  me  to 
tell  you. 

[Hoffman  moves  with  military  precision  to  the 
door,'  then  turns  to  Hedwig.] 

\  Hoffman: 

I  shall  take  the  time  to  report  you. 
[Goes.] 

Minna:  [To  Arno.] 

Does  Heinrich's  regiment  go,  too? 

Arno: 
Heinrich  who? 

Minna: 
Heinrich  Berg. 


42  WAR    BRIDES 

Arno: 

No.     To-morrow. 

[Minna,  now  thoroughly  scared,  is  slinking  to 
the  door  when  Hedwig  stops  her.] 

Hedwig: 

Ha!  little  Minna,  why  do  you  run  so  fast? 
Heinrich  does  not  go  until  to-morrow.  [Looks 
at  her  thoughtfully.]  Are  you  going  to  be  able 
to  fight  it  through,  little  Minna,  when  the  hard 
days  come?  If  you  do  give  the  empire  a  sol- 
dier, will  it  be  any  comfort  to  know  you  are 
helping  the  falling  birth-rate? 

Minna  :  [  Skivering.  ] 

Oh,  I  am  afraid  of  you ! 

Hedwig: 

Afraid  of  the  truth,  you  mean.  You  see  it 
at  last  in  all  its  brutal  bareness.  Poor  little 
Minna!  [She  puts  her  arm  around  Minna 


WAR     BRIDES  43 

with  sudden  tenderness.}  But  you  need  not 
be  afraid  of  me,  little  Minna.  Oh,  no.  The 
trouble  with  me  is  I  want  no  more  war.  Franz 
is  at  the  war.  I  'm  half  mad  with  dreaming 
they  have  killed  him.  Any  moment  I  may 
hear.  If  you  loved  your  man  as  I  do  mine, 
little  Minna,  you'd  understand.  Well,  go 
now,  and  to-morrow  say  good-by  to  your  hus- 
band— of  a  day. 
[Minna,  with  a  frightened  backward  glance, 

runs  out  the  door. 
Arno,  who  has  been  talking  in  low  tones  to  his 

mother,  now  rises. ~\ 

Arno: 
Well,  Mother,  I  have  n't  much  time. 

[She  clings  to  his  hand.} 

Hedwig  :  [  Starting.  ] 

Arno! 


44  WAR    BRIDES 

Arno: 

I  am  going,  too.     Get  those  little  things  for 
me,  Mother,  will  you? 

Mother: 

[Goes  to  door  and  calls. ~\ 
Amelia!     Come.     Arno  has  been  called. 
[Amelia  comes  in.     Each  in  turn  embraces  him, 
sadly,  but  bravely.     Then  the  mother  and 
sister  gather  together  handkerchiefs,   linen, 
writing-pad  and  pencil,   and  small   neces- 
saries. ] 

Arno: 
I  have  only  a  few  minutes. 

Hedwig :  [  Ten  derly.  ] 

Arno,  my  little  brother,  oh,  why — why  must 
you  go?     You  seem  so  young. 

Arno: 
I'm    a   man,    like    the    others;    don't    forget 


WAR     BRIDES  45 

that,  Hedwig.     Be  brave — to  help  me  to  be 
brave. 

,  [They  sit  on  the  settle.} 

Hedwig: 

[Sighing.} 

Yes,  it  cannot  be  helped.  Will  you  see  my 
Franz,  Arno*?  You  look  so  like  him  to-day — 
the  day  I  first  saw  him  in  the  fields,  the  day  of 
the  factory  picnic.  It  seems  long  ago.  Tell 
him  how  happy  he  made  me,  and  how  I  loved 
him.  He  did  n't  believe  in  this  war  no  more 
than  I,  yet  he  had  to  go.  He  dreaded  lest  he 
meet  his  friends  on  the  other  side.  You  re- 
member those  two  young  men  from  across  the 
border?  They  worked  all  one  winter  side  by 
side  in  the  factory  with  Franz.  They  went 
home  to  join  their  regiments  when  the  war  was 
let  loose  on  us.  He  never  could  stand  it, 
Franz  couldn't,  if  he  were  ordered  to  drive 


46  WAR    BRIDES 

his  bayonet  into  them.  {Gets  up,  full  of  emo- 
tion that  is  past  expression.}  Oh,  it  is  too 
monstrous!  And  for  what — for  what*? 

Arno: 

It  is  our  duty.  We  belong  to  the  fatherland. 
I  would  willingly  give  my  life  for  my  country. 

Hedwig: 
I  would  willingly  give  mine  for  peace. 

Arno: 
I  must  go.     Good-by,  Hedwig. 

Hedwig: 

[Controlling  her  emotion  as  she  kisses  him.'} 
Good-by,  my  brave,  splendid  little  brother. 

«         Amelia: 

I  may  come  to  the  front,  too. 
[They  embrace  tenderly.] 


WAR    BRIDES  47 

Mother: 

[Strong   and   quiet,    unable   to 
speak,  holds  his  head  against  her 
breast  for  a  moment.] 
Fight  well,  my  son. 

A  rno: 

Yes,  Mother. 

[He  tears  himself  away.  The  silent  suffering 
of  the  mother  is  pitiful.  Her  hands  are 
crossed  on  her  breast,  her  lips  are  seen  to 
move  in  prayer.  It  is  Hedwig  who  takes  her 
in  her  arms  and  comforts  her.\ 

Hedwig: 

And  this  is  war — to  tear  our  hearts  out  like 
this!  Make  mother  some  tea,  Amelia,  can't 
you? 

[Amelia  prepares  the  cup  of  tea  for  her 
mother.'] 


48  WAR    BRIDES 

Mother: 

[After  a  few  moments  composes  herself.} 
There,  I  am  right  now.  I  must  remember — 
and  you  must  help  me,  my  daughters — it  is  for 
the  fatherland. 

Hedwig: 

[On  her  knees  by  the  fire,  shakes 

her  head  slowly. ,] 

I  wonder,  I  wonder.  O  Mother,  I  'm  not  pa- 
tient like  you.  I  could  n't  stand  it.  To  have 
a  darling  little  baby  and  see  him  grow  into  a 
man,  and  then  lose  him  like  this !  I  'd  rather 
never  see  the  face  of  my  child. 

Mother: 

We  have  them  for  a  little  while.  I  am  thank- 
ful to  God  for  what  I  have  had. 

Hedwig: 
Then  I  must  be  very  wicked. 


WAR     BRIDES  49 

Mother: 
Are  you  sleeping  better  now,  child  ? 

Hedwig: 

No ;  I  am  thinking  of  Franz.  He  may  be  lying 
there  alone  on  the  battle-field,  with  none  to 
help,  and  I  here  longing  to  put  my  arms  around 
him. 

[Buries  her  face  on  the  mother's  knees  and 
sobs.] 

Mother: 

Hush,  Hedwig!  Be  brave!  Take  care  of 
yourself !  We  must  see  that  Franz's  child  is 
well  born. 

Hedwig: 

If  Franz  returns,  yes ;  if  not — I — 
[Gets  up  impulsively,  as  if  to  run  out  of  the 
house.] 


50  WAR    BRIDES 

Amelia: 

Don't  you  want  your  tea,  Hedwig*? 
[Hedwig  throws  open  the  door,  and  suddenly 
confronts  a  man  who  apparently  was  about 
to  enter  the  house.  He  is  an  official,  the 
military  head  of  the  town,  known  as  Cap- 
tain Hertz.  He  is  well  along  in  years, 
rheumatic,  but  •  tremendously  self-impor- 
tant.} 

Hertz: 

[Stopping  Hedwig.} 

Wait  one  moment.  You  are  the  young  woman 
I  wish  to  see.  You  don't  get  away  from  me 
like  that. 

Hedwig: 

[Drawing    herself    up,    moves 
back  a  step  or  two.} 
What  is  it*? 


WAR     BRIDES  51 

Hertz: 

[Turning  to  the  old  mother.'] 
Well,  Maria,  another  son  must  go — Arno. 
You  are  an  honored  woman,  a  noble  example  to 
the  state.  [Turns  to  Amelia^  You  have  lost 
a  very  good  husband,  I  understand.  Well, 
you  are  a  foolish  girl.  As  for  you  \Turning 
to  Hedwig^  and  eyeing  her  critically  and  se- 
verely], I  hear  pretty  bad  things.  Yes,  you 
have  been  talking  to  the  women — telling  them 
not  to  marry,  not  to  multiply.  In  so  doing 
you  are  working  directly  against  the  Govern- 
ment. It  is  the  express  request  and  command 
that  our  soldiers  about  to  be  called  to  the  front 
and  our  young  women  should  marry.  You  de- 
liberately set  yourself  in  opposition  to  that  com- 
mand. Are  you  aware  that  that  is  treason? 

Hedwig: 
Why  are  they  asking  this,  Herr  Captain? 


52  WAR     BRIDES 

Hertz: 

Our  statesmen  are  wise.  They  are  thinking  of 
the  future  state.  The  nation  is  fast  being  de- 
populated. We  must  take  precautionary 
measures.  We  must  have  men  for  the  future. 
I  warn  you,  that  to  do  or  say  anything  which 
subverts  the  plan  of  the  empire  for  its  own 
welfare,  especially  at  a  time  when  our  national 
existence  is  in  peril — well,  it  is  treason.  Were  it 
not  that  you  are  the  daughter-in-law  of  my  old 
friend  [Indicating  the  Mother],  I  should  not 
take  the  trouble  to  warn  you,  but  pack  you  off 
to  jail  at  once.  Not  another  word  from  you, 
you  understand? 

Hedwig: 

[Calmly r,  even  sweetly,  but  with 

fire  in  her  eye.] 

If  I  say  I  will  keep  quiet,  will  you  promise  me 
something  in  return^ 


WAR    BRIDES  53 

Hertz: 

What  do  you  mean*?  Quiet ?  Of  course 
you  '11  keep  quiet.  Quiet  as  a  tombstone,  if 
I  have  anything  to  say  about  it. 

Hedwig: 

[Calm  and  tense, ,] 

I  mean  what  I  say.  Promise  to  see  to  it  that 
if  we  bear  you  the  men  for  your  nation,  there 
shall  be  no  more  war.  See  to  it  that  they  shall 
not  go  forth  to  murder  and  be  murdered.  That 
is  fair.  We  will  do  our  part, — we  always 
have, — will  you  do  yours  ?  Promise. 

Hertz: 
I — I — ridiculous!     There  will  always  be  war. 

Hedwig: 

Then  one  day  we  will  stop  giving  you  men. 
Look  at  mother.  Four  sons  torn  from  her  in 


54  WAR    BRIDES 

one  month,  and  none  of  you  ever  asked  her  if 
she  wanted  war.  You  keep  us  here  helpless. 
We  don't  want  dreadnoughts  and  armies  and 
fighting,  we  women.  You  tear  our  husbands, 
our  sons,  from  us, — you  never  ask  us  to  help 
you  find  a  better  way, — and  have  n't  we  any- 
thing to  say? 

Hertz: 
No.     War  is  man's  business. 

Hedwig: 

Who  gives  you  the  men?  We  women.  We 
bear  and  rear  and  agonize.  Well,  if  we  are 
fit  for  that,  we  are  fit  to  have  a  voice  in  the 
fate  of  the  men  we  bear.  If  we  can  bring  forth 
the  men  for  the  nation,  we  can  sit  with  you  in 
your  councils  and  shape  the  destiny  of  the  na- 
tion, and  say  whether  it  is  to  war  or  peace  we 
give  the  sons  we  bear. 


WAR    BRIDES  55 

Hertz:  [Chuckling. ,] 

Sit  in  the  councils?  That  would  be  a  joke. 
I  see.  Mother,  she's  a  little — [Touches  his 
forehead  suggestively.]  Sit  in  the  councils 
with  the  men  and  shape  the  destiny  of  the  na- 
tion! Ha!  ha! 

Hedwig: 

Laugh,  Herr  Captain,  but  the  day  will  come; 
and  then  there  will  be  no  more  war.  No,  you 
will  not  always  keep  us  here,  dumb,  silent 
drudges.  We  will  find  a  way. 

Hertz: 

[Turning  to  the  mother.~\ 

That  is  what  comes  of  letting  Franz  go  to  a 
factory  town,  Maria.  That  is  where  he  met 
this  girl.  Factory  towns  breed  these  ideas. 
[To  Hedwig.]  Well,  we'll  have  none  of 
that  here.  [Authoritatively.}  Another  word 


56  WAR    BRIDES 

of  this  kind  of  insurrection,  another  word  to 
the  women  of  your  treason,  and  you  will  be 
locked  up  and  take  your  just  punishment. 
You  remember  I  had  to  look  out  for  you  in  the 
beginning  when  you  talked  against  this  war. 
You  're  a  firebrand,  and  you  know  how  we 
handle  the  like  of  you.  [Goes  to  -door,  turns 
to  the  mother.]  I  am  sorry  you  have  to  have 
this  trouble,  Maria,  on  top  of  everything  else. 
You  don't  deserve  it.  [To  Hedwig.]  You 
have  been  warned.  Look  out  for  yourself. 
[Hedwig  is  standing  rigid ,  with  difficulty  repress- 
ing the  torrent  of  her  feelings.  Drums  are  heard 
coming  nearer ',  and  singing  voices  of  men.] 

Amelia:  [At  door.] 

They  are  passing  this  way. 
Hedwig: 

Wave    to   Arno.     Come,    Mother.     Ah,    how 
quickly  they  go ! 


WAR     BRIDES  57 

[The  official  steps  out  of  the  door.  There  is 
quick  rhythm  of  marching  feet  as  the  depart- 
ing regiment  passes  not  very  far  from  the 
house.} 

There    he     is!     Wave,     Mother.     Good-by! 

good-by ! 

[The  women  stand  in  the  doorway ',  waving 
their  sad  farewells,  smiling  bravely.  The 
sounds  grow  less  and  less,  until  there  is  the 
usual  silence.} 

In  another  month,  in  another  week,  perhaps, 

all  the  men  will  be  gone.     We  will  be  a  village 

of  women.     Not  a  man  left. 

[She  leads  the  old  mother  into  the  house  once 
more.} 

Hertz:          [In  the  door.} 
What  did  you  say*? 


58  WAR    BRIDES 

Hedwig: 

Not  a  man  left,  I  said. 

Hertz: 
YOU  forget.     I  shall  be  here. 

Hedwig: 

You  are  old.  You  don't  count.  They  think 
you  are  only  a  woman,  Herr  Captain. 

Hertz:  [Insulted.} 

You — you — 

Hedwig: 

Oh,  don't  take  it  badly,  sir.  You  are  hon- 
ored. Is  the  name  of  woman  always  to  be 
despised*?  Look  out  in  those  fields.  Who 
cleared  them,  and  plucked  the  vineyards  clean? 
You  think  we  are  left  at  home  because  we  are 
weak.  Ah,  no;  we  are  strong.  That  is  why. 
Strong  to  keep  the  world  going,  to  keep  sacred 
the  greatest  things  in  life — love  and  home  and 


WAR     BRIDES  59 

work.  To  remind  men  of — peace.  \With  a 
quick  change.]  If  only  you  really  were  a 
woman,  Herr  Captain,  that  you  might  breed 
soldiers  for  the  empire,  your  glory  would  be 
complete. 

[The  old  captain  is  about  to  make  an  angry 
reply  when  there  is  a  commotion  outside. 
The  words  "News  from  the  front"  are  dis- 
tinguished, growing  more  distinct.  The 
captain  rushes  out.  The  women  are  para- 
lyzed with  apprehension  for  a  moment. \ 

Mother: 

Amelia,  go  and  see.     Hedwig,  come  here. 

[Hedwig  crouches  on  the  floor  close  to  the 
mother,  her  eyes  wide  with  dread.  In  a  few 
moments  Amelia  returns,  dragging  her  feet, 
woe  in  her  face,  and  unable  to  deal  the  blow 
which  must  fall  on  the  two  women,  who  stare 
at  her  with  blanched  faces.] 


60  WAR     BRIDES 

Amelia: 

[Falling  at  her  mother's  knee.] 
Mother! 

Mother: 

[Scarcely  breathing.] 
Which  one? 

Amelia: 
All  of  them. 

Mother:  [Dazed.] 

All?    All  my  boys? 

Amelia: 

Emil,  Otto — be  thankful  Arno  is  left. 

[The  Mother  drops  her  head  back  against  the 
chair  and  silently  prays.  Hedwig  creeps 
nearer  Amelia  and  holds  her  face  between 
her  'hands •,  looking  into  her  eyes.] 


WAR    BRIDES  61 

Hedwig: 

\Whispering.} 
Franz*? 

Amelia: 

Franz,  too. 

\Hedwig  lies  prostrate  on  the  floor.  Their 
grief  is  very  silent;  terrible  because  it  is  so 
dumb  and  stoical.  The  Mother  is  the  first  to 
rouse  herself.  She  bends  over  Hedwig.} 

Mother: 

Hedwig.  [Hedwig  sobs  convulsively.} 
Don't,  child.  Be  careful  for  the  little  one's 
sake.  [Hedwig  sits  up.}  For  your  child  be 
quiet,  be  brave. 

Hedwig: 
I  loved  him  so,  Mother! 

Mother: 
Yes,  he  was  my  boy — my  first-born. 


62  WAR     BRIDES 

Hedwig: 

Your  first-born,  and  this  is  the  end. 
[She  rises  up  in  unutterable  wrath  and  de- 
spair.] 
O  God! 

Mother: 

[Anxious  for  her.] 

Promise  me  you  will  be  careful,  Hedwig.  For 
the  sake  of  your  child,  your  first-born,  that  is 
to  be — 

Hedwig: 

My  child?  For  this  end?  For  the  empire — 
the  war  that  is  to  be?  No! 

Mother: 

[Half  to  herself.] 
He  may  look  like  Franz. 

[Hedwig  quickly  seizes  the  pistol  from   the 
mantel-shelf  and  moves  to  the  bedroom  door. 


WAR     BRIDES  63 

Amelia,  watching  her,  sees  her  do  it,  and 
cries  out  in  alarm  and  rushes  to  take  it  from 
her.} 

Amelia:  [In  horror.} 

Hedwig!  What  are  you  doing?  Give  it  to 
me !  No,  you  must  not !  You  have  too  much 
to  live  for. 

Hedwig:  {Dazed.} 

To  live  for?     Me? 

Amelia: 
Why,  yes,  you  are  going  to  be  a  mother. 

Hedwig: 

A  mother?  Like  her?  [Looks  sadly  at  the 
bereaved  old  mother.}  Look  at  her!  Poor 
Mother!  And  they  never  asked  her  if  she 
wanted  this  thing  to  be!  Oh,  no!  I  shall 
never  take  it  like  that — never!  But  you  are 
right,  Amelia.  I  have  something  to  do  first. 


64  WAR    BRIDES 

[Lets  Amelia  put  the  pistol  away  in  the  cup- 
board.} I  must  send  a  message  to  the  emperor. 
[The  others  are  more  alarmed  for  her  in  this 

mood  than  in  her  grief.] 

You  said  you  were  going  to  the  front  to  be  a 
nurse,  Amelia.  Can  you  take  this  message  for 
me*?  I  might  take  it  myself,  perhaps. 

Amelia: 

[Hesitating ',  not  knowing  what 
to  say  or  do.] 

Let  me  give  you  some  tea,  Hedwig. 
[Voices  are  heard  outside,  and  the  sounds  of 
sorrow.     Home  one  near  the  house  is  weep- 
ing.    A  wild  look  and  a  fierce  resolve  light 
Hedwig' s  face.] 

Hedwig:. 

[Rushing  from  the  house.] 
They  have  taken  my  Franz! 


WAR     BRIDES  65 

Mother: 

Get  her  back!     I  feared  it.     Grief  has  made 

her  mad. 

[Amelia  runs  out.  A  clamor  of  voices  outside. 
Hedwig  can  be  heard  indistinctly  speaking 
to  the  women.  Finally  her  voice  alone  is 
heard)  and  in  a  moment  she  appears,  backing 
into  the  doorway,  still  talking  to  the 
women.] 

Hedwig: 

[A  tragic  light  in  her  face,  and 

hand  uplifted.] 

I  shall  send  a  message  to  the  emperor.  If  ten 
thousand  women  send  one  like  it,  there  will  be 
peace  and  no  more  war.  Then  they  will  hear 
our  tears. 

A  Voice: 
What  is  the  message"?     Tell  us! 


66  WAR    BRIDES 

Hedwig: 

Soon  you  will  know.  [Loudly.]  But  I  tell 
you  now,  don't  bear  any  more  children  until 
they  promise  you  there  will  be  no  more  war. 

Hertz: 

[Suddenly  appearing.  Amelia  follows.} 
I  heard  you.  I  declare  you  under  arrest. 
Come  with  me.  You  will  be  shot  for  trea- 
son. 

Mother: 

[Fearfully,  drawing  him  aside.} 
Don't  say  that,  sir.  Wait.  Oh,  no,  you  can't 
do  that! 

[She  gets  out  her  work-basket,  and  shows  him 
the  baby  things  she  has  been  knitting,  and 
glances  significantly  at  Hedwig.  A  horrid 
smile  comes  into  the  man's  face.  Hedwig, 
snatches  the  things  and  crushes  them  to  her 
breast  as  if  sacrilege  had  been  committed.} 


WAR     BRIDES  67 

Hertz: 
Is  this  true5?     You  expect — 

Hedwig: 

[Proudly,  scornfully.] 

You  will  not  shoot  me  if  I  give  you  a  soldier 
for  your  empire  and  your  armies  and  your  guns, 
will  you,  Herr  Captain4? 

Hertz: 

Why — eh,  no.  Every  child  counts  these  times. 
But  we  will  put  you  under  lock  and  key.  You 
are  a  firebrand.  I  warned  you.  Come  along. 

Hedwig: 

You  want  my  child,  but  still  you  will  not  prom- 
ise me  what  I  asked  you.  Well,  we  shall  see. 

Hertz: 
Come  along. 


68  WAR    BRIDES 

Hedwig: 

Give  me  just  a  moment.  I  want  to  send  a 
message  to  the  emperor.  Will  you  take  it  for 
me,  Herr  Captain*? 

Mother:  [Signing.  ] 

Humor  her. 

Hertz: 

Well,  well,  hurry  up! 

[Hedwig   sits   at   table   and   writes   a    brief 
nofe.] 

Mother:        [  Whispering.  ] 
She  has  lost  Franz.     She  is  crazed. 

Hedwig:  [Rising. ,] 

There.  See  that  it  is  placed  in  the  hands  of 
the  emperor.  [Gives  him  the  note.}  Good-by, 
Amelia!  Never  be  a  war  bride,  Amelia. 
[Kisses  her  three  times,]  Good-by,  Mother. 


WAR    BRIDES  69 

[Embraces    her    tenderly. \     Thank    you    for 

these. 

[She  gathers  the  baby  things  in  her  hands, 
crosses  the  room,  pressing  a  little  sock  to  her 
lips.  As  she  passes  the  cupboard  she  deftly 
seizes  the  pistol,  and  moves  into  the  bed- 
room. On  the  threshold  she  looks  over  her 
should  er.\ 

Hedwig:  [Firmly.} 

You  may  read  the  message  out  loud. 
[She  disappears  into  the  room,  still  pressing 
the  little  sock  to  her  lips. 

Hertz: 

[Reading  the  note.] 

"A  Message  to  the  Emperor :     I  refuse  to  bear 
my  child  until  you  promise  there  shall  be  no 


7o  WAR     BRIDES 

[A  shot  is  fired  in  the  bedroom.  They  rush 
into  the  room.  The  Mother  stands  trem- 
bling by  the  table.] 

Hertz: 

[Awed,  coming  out  of  the  room 
with  the  baby  things,  which  he 
places  on  the  table.] 

Dead !     Tcha !  tcha !  she  was  mad.     I  will  hush 
it  up,  Maria. 

[He  tears  up  Hedwig's  message  to  the  emperor, 
and  goes  out  of  the  house,  shaking  his  head. 
Amelia  is  kneeling  in  the  doorway  of  the 
bedroom,  bending  over  something,  and  softly 
crying.  The  Mother  slowly  gathers  up  the 
pieces  of  Hedwig's  message  and  the  baby 
garments,  now  dashed  with  blood,  and,  sit- 
ting on  the  bench,  holds  them  tight  against 
lher  breast,  staring  straight  in  front  of  her, 


WAR     BRIDES  71 

her  lips  moving  inaudibly.  She  closes  her 
eyes  and  rocks  to  and  fro,  still  muttering  and 
praying.  ] 


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LIBRARY,  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA,  DAVIS 

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fentworth,  M.J.c 
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